(7/22/2023)
Though clearly fictionalized, the story that is told in All You Have to Do Is Call has an important message. The book is an easy to enjoy story of women who are involved to varying degrees in the 1970's women's liberation movement and providing illegal abortions to women through the Jane network.
I am so impressed with the Jane Network and the brave women involved in providing those abortions. Their message of empowerment and freedom is one that women today need to be reminded of, and might need to be brought to the forefront in our current times. Having lived in the era where abortion was illegal and when it was safely provided under medical supervision, the current environment is a bit concerning, and the novel brings a light to the issue.
I especially liked that the women in the story were in varying roles of motherhood and womanhood, from single and not interested in becoming a mother, to pregnant and providing abortion services, to parent of several children and pro-life. This is the reality of women and the story allowed all points of view to be valid and honored. The story of each character was compelling and easy to relate to.
Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and BookBrowse for the digital ARC of All You Have to Do Is Call by Kerri Maher. The opinions in this review are my own.